Filling-replenishing loom.



No. 726,978. PATBNTBD MAY 5,1903.. VJ. NUMERO?. FILLING'REPLBNISHING LOOML APPLICATION FILED DBO. 22, 1902.

2' SHEETS-SHEET 1L l0 MODEL.

J. NORTHROP. FILLING REPLBNISHING LGOM.y

PATBNTBD MAY 5, 1903.l

APPLICATION PILE) DEG. 22, 1902.

2 SHEETS-SHEET 2.

N0 MODEL.

No. 726,978. Patented May 5, 1903.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JONAS NORTI-IROP, OF HOPEDALE, MASSACHUSETTS, ASSIGNOR TO DRAPER COMPANY, OF HOPEDALE, MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION OF MAINE.

FILLING-REPLENISHING LOOM.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 726,978, dated May 5, 1903.

Application filed December 22, 1902. Serial No. 136,090. (No model.)

To all whom, it may concern,.- shuttle is too far in or too far out of the Be it known that I, JONAS NORTHROP, a shuttle-boxthe operation of the mechanism subject of the King of Great Britain, and a intended to coact with the shuttle will be resident of Hopedale, county of Worcester, prevented, thereby obviating wear, strain 55 5 State of Massachusetts, have invented an Imupon the parts, and breakage.

provement in Filling -Replenishing Looms, Another object of my invention is to proof which the following description, in convide for a more accurate operation of the nection with the accompanying drawings, is a shuttle position -indicating means, so that specification, like characters on the drawings the same shall be free from the effect of vari- 6o 1o representing like parts. ations in the stroke of the lay due to wear in This invention relates more particularly to diierent parts of the loom. This I attain by looms which are equipped with some form of mounting the device which cooperates with mechanism which is dependent for its proper the shuttle preferably upon the shuttle-box operation upon a certain location or definite itself, and by locating such device at or near 65 I5 position of the shuttle in the shuttle-box, the the outer end of the boX I obviate any shortautomatic operation of such mechanism when ening or cutting away of the front box-wall at the shuttle is not in such definite or certain its inner end, which is very detrimental to position causing injurious wear and tear and the proper guidance of the shuttle when it is not infrequently serious breakage. thrown. 7o zo The mechanism which provides automat- These and othernovel features of my inically a running shuttle with filling is a Wellvention will be described in detail in the subknown form of apparatus ofthe character joined specilication and particularly pointed above referred to, and to those conversant out inthe following claims. therewith it will be manifest that if the Figure 1 is aright-hand side elevation of a 75 z5 shuttle is not in proper replenishing position sufficient portion of a loom to be understood the transfer of a supply of lling thereto is provided with lling-replenishing mechanliable to be accompanied by great and injuriism and having one embodiment of my presous strain upon the transferring instrumenent invention applied thereto, the lay being talty or the shuttle, or both, so that parts back and the filling-feeder being shown in 8o 3o are sometimes seriously damaged and their section. Fig. 2 is a similar view of some of life is diminished materially. the parts of the apparatus shown in Fig. 1,

Means have been devised and operated but taken at the instant of filling replenishwith great success to detect the failure of the ment, the shuttle being in proper position in shuttle to enter the shuttle-box far enough the shuttle-box for such operation to be ef- 85 35 and to prevent the filling-replenishing operafected. Fig. 3 is a top or plan view of the tion at such time; but such means does not replenishing shuttle-box, showing the shutdetect overrunning of the shuttle-e'. e., its tlc-detector and the position assumed therepassage beyond the proper definite position by when the shuttle is properly positioned in in the shuttle-box. If, for instance, the the box. Fig. 4 is a front elevation of the 9o 4o picker is badly Worn, the shuttle may go so parts shown in Fig. 3; and Fig. 5 is a detail,

far into the box that when a filling-carrier is partly in section, on the line 5 5, Fig. 4, showtransferred bythe replenishing mechanism ing the manner of preventing the replenishit will come down upon the shuttle itself back ing operation when the shuttle is in improper of the opening therein and a smash occurs. position in the shuttle-box. 95 45 My present invention has for its main ob- I have chosen to illustrate myinvention in ject the production of means to prevent the .connection with mechanism adapted to reoperation of such automatic mechanism in a plenish or supply the shuttle with filling at loom as is dependent upon a definite position the proper time, such as when filling fails or of the shuttle if the latter either fails to athas been exhausted to a predetermined eX- roo 5o tain or passes beyond such definite position tent, provided at such time the shuttle isin the shuttle-box. In other words, if the properly positioned in the shuttle-box in cooperative relationto. the replenishingmechanism.

The loom-frame A, breast-beam A40, having mounted upon it at one side, herein shown as the right-hand side of the loom, automatic filling-replenishing mechanism comprising, essentially, a rotatable feeder F, adapted to contain the supplies of filling V(shown as filling-carriers b) and rotating on an axis a, the transferrerf, fulcrumed on a fixed studf and having a depending arm f3, the lay A3, having a bunter C2 rigidly secured thereto, and means for effecting step-by-step rotation of the feeder to present the llingsupplies' b one by one into position to be transferred to the shuttle may be and are all as shown in United States Patent No. 664,790, dated December 25, 1900. The replenishing operation whereby a filling-supply is transferred from the feeder to the shuttle, is effectedpwhen a change occurs in the condition of the filling in use-as, for instance, its exhaustion, entirely or to a predetermined extent, or its breakage-and when such a change occurs the rock-shaft d' is turned in the direction of the arrow 65, as in the patent referred to', said rock-shaft having fast upon it an arm (ZX, which is held in the position shown in Fig. 1 by a spring d3. As in said patent, a rocker-stud m12 is mounted on the downturned end f3 of the transferrer, said stud being normally turned (by a spring not herein shown) in the direction of the arrow 12, Fig. l, an arm m13, secured tothe stud, having adjustably secured upon it a notched dog m15, provided with a lateral lug/m14, extended toward the loom side in the present embodiment of my invention, and a second lng 'm16 is carried by the dog, but located nearer its outer or front end and turned oppositely to the lug m1". The lug mi is beveled', as shown in Figs'. '1, 2, and 5, for a purpose toibe hereinafter described. The arm dx is herein shown as upturned at its inner end and then extended outwardly, as at CZZX, to'rest against the lugm. When the loom is running properly, the tendency of the dog m15 torise is overcome by the more powerful springds, the extension 12X of the arm dx bearing against the lug m14, as shown in Fig. l.

When a change or replenishment of filling is to be effected, the shaft d' is rocked in the direction of the arrow 65, swinging upthe rocker-arm dx and its extension, and thereby permitting the stud m12 to' turn and raise the notched end of the dog 'm15 into the path of and to'be engaged by the bunter C2 as the lay beats up, and if the replenishing operation is to be completed the transferrer is therebydepressed to transfer a supply of filling frein the feeder to the shuttle.

The rock-shaft d' forms a part of the means for controlling the time of operation of the replenishing mechanism, as will be'well understood by those skilled in the art'.

, Thefproper operation Vof the replenishing mechanism can only beeftected when the shuttle is in a certain definite position in the shuttle-box yat the instant of transfer in order that the filling-supply may be properly inserted in the opening provided therefor in the shuttle and to be engaged by suitable holding means carried by the shuttle. If the shuttle in entering the box fails to reach such definite positionV or overruns or passes beyond such position, it will be manifest that complete replenishing operation of the replenishing mechanism will result in undue wear upon the parts, and very frequently in actual practice it results in smashing the shuttle, the filling-carrier being transferred or a part of the replenishing mechanism itself, any or all. As the 'replenishing mechanism is thus dependent for its proper operation upon a definite position of the shuttle in the shuttle-box, I have provided novel and effective means for preventing such operation ofthe replenishing mechanism unless the shuttle is in the required definite position.

The front wall h of the replenishing shuttle-boX BX is provided near its outer end with a forwardly-extended shelf or bracket b2, which carries a vertical fulcrum-stud b3, on which is mounted the hub hX of ashuttle-deteef-or, shown as a lever of the rst class, the outer lever-arm h being turned rearwardly to extend into the shuttle-box in the path of the shuttle through an opening Z330, made in the front box-wall b. At its inner end the arm h is provided with a cushion or pad h', of leather or other suitable non-metallic material, to impinge against the shuttle when the latter is boxed. The other and longer arm h2 of the detector is extended toward the center ofthe lay and is provided with a socketed portion h3 to receive one end of a spring 3X, the other end of the spring bearing against the box-wall b', as clearly shownin Fig. 3. The spring acts to normally move the outer end h of' the detector into the path of the shuttle. The extremity of the varm h2 is reduced in diameter and preferably made cylindrical to form a finger h4, which slides'in a transverse slot or groove 25 in a depending extension cx, herein shown as secnred'to or forming a part of the outer end of the bunter C2, the slot or groove forming a guide"for the finger. On

L the outer face of the extension cX'and near its lower end I have fuleruined at c a dog-controller c', shown as an arm extended toward the front of the loom and notched at its free end, said dog-controller being adapted to at times be moved into position to engage the lugm16 on the dog. The dog-controller is provided near its fulerum with a cam-slot, shown in Figs. l, 2, and 5 as having a high portion 30 andlow portions 3l 32 atits ends in front of and behind thezhigh portion, respectively, the finger h4 passing through the cam-slot and into the guide slot or recess 25, as clearly shown in Fig. 3. When the shuttle-box is empty, the

spring SX turns the shuttle-detector on its fulcrum b3, moving its end h into the shuttle-box and moving the finger h4 outward and into the IOO low part 31 of the clam-slot of the dog-controller c', as shown in Fig. 1, and when the lay beats up the notched end c2 of the dog-controller will be above the lug m16. Vhen the shuttle S,Fig. 3, enters the replenishing shutile-box, the shoulder at the leading end of the shuttle engages the cushioned end of the detector and swings the latter on its fnlcrum b3,and when the shuttle is properly positioned or assumes a certain definite position in the shuttle-box the finger h will be swung rearwardly onto thev high part 30 of the cam-slot to thereby depress the dog-controller into the position shown in Fig. 2.

Unless filling-replenishing is to be effected it will be manifest that the exact or definite positioning of the shuttle in the shuttle-box B is immaterial; but if the shuttle does not occupy such definite position when a transfer of filling would otherwise take place the detector detects such improper positioning and through the dog-controller prevents coperation of the dog m15 and bunter C2 and a transfer of fillingthat is, a complete replenishing operation of the replenishing mechanismwill not be effected on that pick.

When a transfer of filling is to be effected, the rock-shaft d is turned in the direction of the arrow 65, and by the lifting of the arm CZX the dog m15 is permitted to swing upward on the stud m12 into the path of the bunter G2, and if at such time the shuttleis properly positioned in the box BX the dog-controller c will be rendered inactive by or through the shuttle-detector as the lay beats up, and, as shown in Fig. 2, the dog-controller will then pass beneath thelug m16. In other words,the dog-controller is maintained inactive by the shuttle-detector when the finger h4 is at the high part 30 ofthe cam-slot. If now the shutlle in entering the shuttle-box B fails to reach its definite position proper for replenishing, the detector will not be moved far enough to withdraw the finger h4 from the low part 31 of the cam-slot and the dog-controller c' will be in its active position, as shown in Fig. 5, and as the lay beats up the notched end c2 of the dog-controller will engage the lug m16 and will depress the dog m15 below the bunter C2, as shown in Fig. 5, so that a transfer of filling to the shuttle will not be effected, said dog turning on the stud m12. On the other hand, if the shuttle overruns or passesA beyond the definite replenishing position in thev replenishing-box on the pick when replenishing would otherwise be effected the shuttledetector will be turned on its fulcrum b3 so far that the finger 71.4 will be swung inward and into the low part 32 of the cam-slot of the dog-controller, and the latter will then be maintained in the position shown in Fig. 5, and as the lay beats up the lug m16 on the dog m15 will be engaged, as has been before described, and the dog will be. turned down beneath or out of the path of the bunter C2, and replenishing will not be effected.

It will be understood from the foregoing description that if the replenishing mechanism is brought into condition to supply the shuttle with filling by or through the controlling means described such replenishment can be effected only when the shuttle is in the proper definite position for replenishmentthat is, when the finger h4 is at the high part of the cam-slot of the dog-controller and the relative position of the parts is such as is illustrated in Fig. 2.

By mounting the shuttle-detector on the shuttle-box itself, as herein described, I obtain very accurate results, as the accuracy of operation of the detector is no longer subjected to the action of changesl which may come from variations in the stroke of the lay due to wear or otherwise.

So far as I am aware, it is broadly new to provide means which will prevent the complete operation of filling-replenishing mechanism if the shuttle is too far in the shuttlebox or too far out of it, and accordingly my invention is not restricted to the particular means herein shown and described for effecting such result.

Former shuttle-detectors which have been moved toward or across the shuttle-path at or near the inner end of the shuttle-box have frequently inj ured the shuttle when the latter has not been properly positioned by scraping it more or less. This scraping or injury to the shuttle is impossible in my present inven-V tion, as the non-metallic cushion or pad on the contact portion of the detector absolutely prevents such action.

By locating the detector at or near the outer end of the shuttle-box I have obviated cutting away or shortening the front box wall orV plate at its inner end, such shortening of the box plate detracting from the proper and necessary guidance of the shuttle when it is thrown from the box. It will also be observed that in my present invention the shuttle-detector is not only controlled and operated by or through the shuttle itself, but the detector is also wholly independent of the means which controls the time of operation of the replen.

vfilling-carrier, and at its other end the shuttle is provided with an automatically self-threading device 'l of any suitable or desired form.

Some looms are equipped with means which permit the loom to turn over if the shuttle Afails to reach the box and without damage to the warp; but heretofore in such a loom the replenishing Vmechanism -would operate to transfer filling-carriers to the empty shuttlebox and exhaust the hopper if the loom should continue to turn over for a sufficient period.

IOS

IIO

IZO

It will be manifest, however, that such operation yoff the replenishing mechanism cannot be effected even if the loom be equipped with means which permit it tol turn over, for if the shuttle does not engage and move the shuttledetector at all the dog-controller c will remain in its active position, and so prevent the transfer of filling from the hopper or feeder' to the empty shuttle-box.

I have herein shown and described one practical embodiment of my invention, and

the same may be modiiied or rearranged in various particulars by those Vskilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of my invention.

Having fully described my invention, what I claim as new, and desire to secure by Letters Patent, is

l. In a loom, a shuttle, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle-detector, mechanism dependent for its proper operation upon a definite position of the shuttle in the shuttle-box,

and means governed by or through co'perationof the'detector With the leading end of the shuttle to prevent such operation of said mechanism when the shuttle has failed to attain or has passed beyond such detinite position.

2.V In a loom, ashuttle, a lay having a shuttle-box,a shuttle-detector mounted on the lay, mechanism adapted to coperate with the shuttle when the latteroccupies a definite position in the shuttle-box, and means governed by or through coperation -of the detector with the leading end of the shuttle to prevent coperative action of said mechanism when the shuttle has failed to attain or has passed beyond such definite position.

'3. Ina loom, ashuttle, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle-detector mounted on the shuttle-box near its outer end to detect the position of the shuttle therein, mechanism adapted to coperate with `the shuttle when the latter occupies. a definite position in the shuttle-box, and means governed by kor through the detector to prevent coperative action ofjsaid mechanism with the shuttle when the latter has failed to attain or has passed beyond such definite position. Q

4. 'In a loom, a shuttle, alayhaving ashuttle-box', a shuttle-detector to coperate With and be positioned by the leading end of the incoming shuttle, mechanism adapted to cooperate 'With the shuttle when the latter 0ccupies a definite positionin the shuttle-box, and means governed `by or'through the detector to prevent cooperation of said mechanismWith they shuttle when the latter fails to occupy such definite' position'in the shuttle-box.

5. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle,mechanism to replenish automatically the shuttle with filling when the shuttle occupies a definite position in the shuttle-box, and means to preventthe replenishing operation of said mechanism, said means includ-l ing a detector moved into active position by fthe shuttle when the latter is improperly ploysitioned.

6. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box, a

fshuttle,mecha'nism to replenish automatically the shuttle with filling when the shuttle occupies a definite-position in the shuttle-box, vvand means to prevent the replenishing operation of said mechanism, said means includation of said mechanism, said means includ. ing a detector mounted on the shuttle-box and moved into active position by the shuttle Whenthe latter fails to attain or overruns such definite position.

8. In a loom provided with automatic lling-replenishing mechanism, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, and. means acting, by

or through impact of the incoming shuttle to prevent the replenishing operation of said mechanism when the shuttleeither fails to.

attain or overruns proper position for replen- .ishment 9. In a loom provided with automatic filling-repleuishing mechanism, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, and means, including a member moved by the incoming shuttle, to prevent the replenishing operation of said l mechanism When the shuttle-fails to attain or overruns proper position for replenishment.

l0. In a loom provided With'automatic fill- `ing-replenishing mechanism, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, and means, including a member mounted on thelay and moved by the incoming shuttle, to prevent the replenishing operation of said mechanism when the shuttle stops short of replenishing position.

1l. In a loom provided with automatic iilling-replenishing mechanism, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, and means, including a'shuttle-detector mounted adjacent the outer 'end of the shutle-box and moved by the incoming shuttle, to prevent the replenishing operation of said mechanism When the shut- `tle ,overruns or stops short of Aproper replenishing position.

`12. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, a shuttle-detector near the outer end of the shuttle-box to coperate with the leading end of the incoming shuttle, mechanism to supply filling'to the shuttlewhen the latter occupies a definite position in the shuttle box, and means governed by or through the detector to prevent filling-supply When the shuttle fails to occupy such delinite position in the shuttle-box.

13. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box,

fa shuttle, a shuttle-detector mounted on the front box-Wall and movable by engagement with the incoming shuttle into active position IOO when the shuttle is improperly positioned for filling replenishment, automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, and means rendered eectiveby the detector when actively positioned to prevent the replenishing operation of said mechanism.

14. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box and a bunter, a shuttle, filling-replenishing mechanism, including a dog movable automatically into the path of and to cooperate with the bunter, to eect the operation of said mechanism, a shuttle-detectorv moved positively and rendered active by the shuttle when the latter is improperly positioned for replenishing, and means to prevent coperation of the dog and bunter when the detector is rendered active.

15. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box and a bunter, a shuttle, lling-replenishing mechanism, including a dog movable automatically into the path of and to cooperate with the bunter, to eect the operation of said mechanism, a shuttle-detector mounted on the shuttle-box and adapted to be moved by the shuttle, and means normally in operative condition and governed by the detector, to prevent cooperation of the dog and bunter, positioning of the detector when the shuttle is properly boxed for replenishing rendering said means inoperative.

16. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box and a bunter, a shuttle, lling-replenishing mechanism, including a dog movable automatically into the path of and to cooperate with the bunter, to edect the operation of said mechanism', a spring-controlled detector adapted to be engaged and moved by the incoming shuttle, a finger connected With the detector,and a dog-controller movably mounted on the lay and having a cam-slot in which the linger moves, shuttle-induced movement of the detector causing the nger to operatively position the controller when the shuttle is improperly boxed for replenishing, to engage and move said dog and prevent its cooperation with the bunter.

17. A lay having a shuttle-box thereon provided With a front Wall apertured near its outer end,'a spring-controlled shuttle-detector mounted on said Wall and extending through the aperture into the path of the shuttle, to be moved thereby and positioned according to the final position of the shuttle when boxed, a shuttle, mechanism to replenish automatically the shuttle with filling, and means governed by said detector to prevent the replenishing operation of said mechanism when the shuttle is improperly boxed for replenishing.

18. In a loom, illing-replenishing mechanism, including a transferrer and a dog carried thereby, the lay having a shuttle-boxVV and a bunter thereon, controlling means for said mechanism, to move the dog into the path of and to coperate with the bunter, a movable dog-controller on the lay and normally inoperative, a shuttle, a shuttle detector moved by engagement with the incoming shuttle, and

a connection between said controller and detector, positioning of the latter by the shuttle when improperly boxed for replenishingcausing said controller to act upon the dog and prevent its cooperation with the bunter.

19. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, a shuttle-detector pivotally mounted on the shuttle-box to coperate with the leading end of the incoming shuttle, a spring to move the detector into the path of the incoming shuttle, mechanism to supply the shuttle With filling when properly boxed, and means governed by or through the detector to prevent filling-supplying operation of said mechanism when the shuttle is improperly positioned in the shuttle-box to receive a supply of lling.

20. In a loom, a lay havinga shuttle-box, a shuttle, mechanism to replenish automatically theshuttle with filling, means moved by the shuttle to indicate the position thereof in the shuttle-box, and an instrumentality controlled by such means to prevent replenishing operation of said mechanism when said means indicates that the shuttle is improperly boxed for replenishing.

21. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, mechanism to replenish automatically the shuttle with filling, means moved by the shuttle to indicate the position thereof in theshuttle-box, and an instrumentality controlled by such means to prevent replenishing operation of said mechanism when the shuttle overruns replenishing position in the shuttle-box.

22. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, mechanism to replenish automatically the shuttle with filling, a shuttle-detector having a non-metallic contact portion to be engaged and moved by the incoming shuttle to indicate its position in the' box, and means controlled by the detector to prevent replenishing operation by said mechanism when said detector is moved by the shuttle to indicate improper boxing thereof for replenishing.

23. In a loom, a lay havinga shuttle-box, a shuttle, a shuttle-detector, mounted on the shuttle-box and having a cushioned contact portion in the path of the incoming shuttle, mechanism dependent for its properv operation upon a definite position of the shuttle in the shuttle-box, and means governed by or through shuttle-induced movement of the detector to prevent such operation of said mechanism when the detector indicates failure of the shuttle to attain, or overrunning of, such definite position in the box.

24.. In a loom provided Withautomatic filling-replenishing mechanism, means to control the time of its operation, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, a detector to coperate With the leading end of and detect the position of the incoming shuttle when boxed, said detector being Wholly independent of IOO IIO

by or through said detector to prevent the replenishing operation of said mechanism when the shuttle is improperly positioned in the shuttle-box.

25. In a loom provided With automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, means, including a rock-shaft, to control the time of its operation, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, a shuttle-detector Wholly independent of said rock-shaft and the parts controlled thereby and adapted to detect improper positioning of the shuttle when boxed, and means governed by or through said detector to prevent the replenishing operation of said mechanism when the shuttle is improperly positioned for replenishing.

26. Ina loom provided With automatic filling-replenishing mechanism, means, including a rock-shaft, to control the time of its operation, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, and means Wholly independent of said rockshaft and the parts controlled thereby and governed by the shuttle independently of i'lling therein to prevent replenishing operation of said mechanism when the shuttle is improperly positioned for replenishing.

27. In a loom, a lay having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, a shuttle-detector, mechanism dependent for its proper operation upon a definite position of the shuttle in the shuttle-box, and Wholly independent of the illing in the shuttle, and means governed by or through the detector to prevent such operation of said mechanism when the shuttle has passed beyond such definite position.

28. In a loom, .a lay-having a shuttle-box, a shuttle, mechanism to replenish automatically the shuttle with lling, means moved by the shuttle entering the box to indicate the position of the shuttle therein, and an instrumentality controlled by such means to prevent replenishing operation of said mechanism npon failure of said means to be moved by the shuttle.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JONAS NORTHROP.

Witnesses:

GEORGE OTIs DRAPER, ERNEST W. Woon. 

